Zambia
Zambia
- Capital
- Lusaka
- Population
- 18,383,956
- Region
- Africa
- Languages
- English
Zambia is home to the world’s largest man-made lake by volume, Lake Kariba, which was created following the damming of the Zambezi River. The country also boasts one of the planet's most spectacular natural wonders, Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'The Smoke that Thunders.' During a full moon, the falls frequently produce a rare 'moonbow,' a lunar rainbow created by the light of the moon reflecting off the massive clouds of mist. This phenomenon draws night photographers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe to witness the ethereal white arc.
Currency
The official currency is the Zambian Kwacha, identified by the ISO code ZMW. The name 'Kwacha' is derived from the Nyanja word for 'dawn,' symbolizing the dawn of freedom after the colonial era. In 2013, Zambia was the first country in its region to undergo a significant 'rebasing' of its currency, which involved removing three zeros from the previous banknotes to simplify accounting.
Flag symbolism
The flag features a unique layout with a field of green representing the nation’s lush flora and natural resources. In the lower right corner, three vertical stripes of red, black, and orange represent the struggle for freedom, the people of Zambia, and the nation’s mineral wealth, specifically copper. Perched above these stripes is a soaring orange eagle, which symbolizes the citizens' ability to rise above the nation’s problems. This design was adopted at independence in 1964 and was slightly modified in 1996 to use a brighter shade of green.
Emblem history
The Zambian coat of arms features a shield with wavy black and white vertical lines meant to represent Victoria Falls, where water cascades over black rock. Supporting the shield are a man and a woman who represent the ideal Zambian family and the equality of the citizens. At the base, various symbols of the country’s economic pillars are displayed, including a mine shaft head, a maize cob, and a zebra. The national motto, 'One Zambia, One Nation,' is inscribed on a ribbon below, emphasizing the need for unity among the country's diverse ethnic groups.